The chaos of the castle rumbled around you, distant but constant — the beginning of a storm that no one could stop.

You stood near the entrance to the Room of Requirement, alongside a few other students gathering supplies. Luna gave you a soft smile before drifting away, her arms full of potions and bandages. You were about to follow when Neville found you — out of breath, disheveled, his eyes shining with something more than fear.

—"Hey," he said, voice rough. He grabbed your wrist gently, keeping you from walking away.

You blinked at him, surprised by the urgency written all over his face.

—"I don't know if I'm going to... if I'm going to get another chance," Neville blurted out, cheeks red even in the dim light. He swallowed hard, shifting from foot to foot like the floor was burning under him. "But I need you to know — I’ve been in love with you for a long time."

The words hit you harder than any spell.

Before you could even react, Neville leaned in, pressing his forehead against yours in a brief, desperate gesture. His hand lingered over yours for a second longer, trembling slightly.

—"I have to fight," he whispered, pulling away before you could catch him. His gaze lingered on you — soft, terrified, full of everything he couldn't say in time. "Stay safe."

And just like that, he was gone, running down the corridor with the others toward the battle.